Creative economy, vital contributor to Nigeria’s GDP’

Queen Ronke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, Executive Director and Founder of Africa Fashion Week, Nigeria and London, has described the creative industry as a huge contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Queen Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent in Lagos.

She spoke against the backdrop of her pronouncement of Sterling Bank as the official sponsor of the Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN), 2025 in Lagos.

The queen said the AFWN founded in 2014 had become one of the continent’s largest fashion platforms, dedicated to promoting African designers.

“Over the past decade, AFWN has showcased over 3,000 brands and attracted more than 90,000 visitors globally through its sister platforms in Nigeria and London towards empowerment,” she said.

Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi said the show with the theme: “The Naija December Edition,” slated for Dec. 20 to 22 would take place at J. Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Onikan, Lagos.

The queen said the partnership with Sterling Bank would highlight strong alignment between two vision-driven institutions committed to promoting African creativity, entrepreneurship, and cultural innovation.

“Our mission has always been to empower African designers and creatives to thrive beyond borders.

“By joining forces with Sterling, we’re celebrating fashion while building a pathway for economic empowerment, skills development, and global recognition for African talents,” she said.

She added that the AFWN 2025 would provide opportunities for creative entrepreneurs to connect with investors, mentors, and industry stakeholders.

“The show would reaffirm the shared belief that the creative economy is a vital contributor to Nigeria’s GDP and employment landscape.

“Beyond the runway, AFWN 2025 will also celebrate the community and cultural heartbeat of Lagos in December, infusing the festival with the city’s signature nightlife, festive energy, and vibrant spirit.

“From immersive cultural showcases to live performances, fashion exhibitions, and after-party experiences.

“Positioned as the grand finale of Africa’s fashion calendar, the “December Edition” will close out this year’s fashion scene with an unforgettable celebration of African culture, style, and festivity.

“With over a decade of showcasing African design excellence, Africa Fashion Week Nigeria continues to serve as a catalyst for growth, culture, and commerce to building a stronger creative industry,” she said.

Also speaking, the Head of Brand Marketing, Sterling Bank, Chidinma Okoli, said the sponsorship would reinforce long-standing commitment to driving innovation within Nigeria’s creative and cultural sectors.

“Our partnership with the AFWN reflects Sterling Bank’s vision to nurture creativity as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth.

“Fashion remains a powerful economic force and a source of national pride.

“Through this collaboration, we are creating real opportunities for designers, creators, and entrepreneurs to compete on the global stage.

“This partnership would drive deeper creative industry inclusion, providing platforms for emerging and established designers to showcase their work while gaining exposure to local and international markets,” she said.